SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has received a £6,483 donation thanks to a coordinated fundraising effort involving retirement and sheltered housing communities in Scarborough and the North and a 10,000ft skydive.
A giant cheque was presented at a special event at Jazz Court in Scarborough – part of Sanctuary Supported Living – bringing together residents, staff and local SSAFA volunteers.
SSAFA was chosen as the organisation’s charity of the year, and community managers Laura Sedgwick and Liz Jones-Hall presented the donation to SSAFA North Yorkshire Branch Treasurer Bob Walton and Community Engagement Volunteer Beverley Rob.
As well as the skydive, fundraising efforts included raffles, coffee mornings, cake stalls and a lively quiz. A special wartime-themed charity menu, introduced with support from the in-house chef, also saw donations from selected meals going directly to SSAFA, reflecting the charity’s history of supporting the Armed Forces community.
Bob Walton said:
“We are extremely grateful for this fantastic support. The funds raised will help SSAFA continue providing practical, emotional and financial assistance to members of the Armed Forces family across the North.”
Liz Jones-Hall said:
“These efforts are a brilliant reminder of what we can achieve when we pull together, whether it’s jumping out of a plane or baking a cake. We’re incredibly proud to support SSAFA and the vital work it does, especially as we have veterans living with us who have benefited from SSAFA.”
Four members of Sanctuary Supported Living staff completed a 10,000ft skydive, including Natalie Shaw and Heather Proctor (pictured) raising £1,815 towards the overall total in support of SSAFA’s work with serving personnel, veterans and their families.
Natalie Shaw who completed the skydive, said:
“Standing at the door of the plane was nerve-wracking, but knowing we were raising money for SSAFA gave me the courage to take the leap. It’s an amazing charity that supports people who have given so much in service to our country.”
Veteran and resident Sandy Readman, 81, who received support from SSAFA while he was serving in the Green Howards (1st Battalion) said:
“SSAFA helped get me home from a foreign tour when my father died. SSAFA paid for the flight and supported me through that. I’ll be forever grateful. I’m proud to support them.”
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, ensures that no member of the Armed Forces community battles alone.
SSAFA volunteers have been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885. To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, search for “SSAFA near me”.
